June 30

And the word that was spoken to Jesus at the Jordan, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," embraces humanity. God spoke to Jesus as our representative. With all our sins and weaknesses, we are not cast aside as worthless. "He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph. 1:6. The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer,--how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven, and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has connected it again with the sphere of glory. His love has encircled man, and reached the highest heaven.

          Desire of Ages, page 113 from the chapter, 'The baptism'

I recently had the privilege to attend a baptism at one of our sister churches in Nottingham. The music was rousing, the congregation was expectant and the candidates all looked serene and decided. I was drawn by the logo on the tee-shirt of the only male candidate, which read ‘The hour has come!’

This statement was not only apt but a pertinent reminder of the occasion. As Jesus stood in the Jordan waiting to enter the watery grave, our Saviour in the reading, expressed the very same sentiment but with different words. God made us and He delights in all that we do to represent his name. Baptism is a decision that we have to make on our own, but how reassuring it is to know that with God we are never cast aside; as through prayer there is always an opportunity to connect with His divinity.

This song chosen by Bryn is a fitting tribute to what happens when you decide to take a stand for God. Please click on the picture to listen to Loretta Lynn sing ‘Where no one stands alone’. Thank you Bryn for timeless country gospel music.